Method and system for adjusting the height of a trampoline

ABSTRACT

A height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, as well as a method for the same. The height adjustment device may comprise a first support configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a trampoline that supports the jumping mat; a second support operable with the first support and configured to interface and join with a portion of a leg of the trampoline in contact with the support surface and that supports the frame; and an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the first support relative to the second support, and thus the height of the jumping mat of the trampoline. The height adjustment device may also comprise a u-shaped leg operable with a similar first support, wherein the u-shaped leg is designed to completely replace an existing leg of the trampoline. The adjustment of the height adjustment device may be carried out using any one of a plurality of different methods or configurations specifically designed to facilitate the quick and easy adjustment of the jumping mat to one of a plurality of adjustment positions or heights.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/696,614, filed Jul. 5, 2005, having a title of “Method and System forAdjusting the Height of a Trampoline,” which application is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to trampolines, and more particularly to amethod and system for adjusting the height of a trampoline relative tothe ground or other surface supporting the trampoline, wherein thetrampoline may be made safer and more accommodating to younger children,and wherein the trampoline height can be adjusted to optimallyaccommodate jumpers of all sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

Since their advent, trampolines have steadily increased in popularity.Currently, there are about 500,000 trampolines sold each year, with mostof these being intended for residential use. Notably, the increased useof trampolines has spanned both residential and competition settings,such that the trampoline is now a well recognized piece of sporting orexercise equipment, in addition to the more familiar play device foundin numerous households. Indeed, trampoline use is more than arecreational pastime, it is a great form of aerobic exercise forathletic training and a great way to showcase practiced skill and talentin a competitive manner.

Despite the enjoyment and satisfaction that can be realized from jumpingon a trampoline, there are many risks involved. What is seemingly asource of fun and way to foster competitive sport, a trampoline canquickly become a cause of serious injury and even death if not usedproperly. The increased popularity of trampolines has unfortunatelyresulted in a dramatic increase in serious injuries, including brokennecks, spinal cord injuries, damage to internal organs, and disablinghead traumas, many of which result in permanent paralysis or even death.In addition, trampolines are responsible for many less serious injuriessuch as broken bones, including legs, arms, and other parts of the body,as well as different types of dislocations and muscle damage. To makematters worse, the majority of these injuries occur among children underthe age of 14 who do not recognize the inherent risks associated withjumping on a trampoline. While two-thirds of trampoline related injuriesoccur on the jumping mat, a large number of injuries are sustained whilemounting and dismounting the trampoline. This is especially true foryounger children who are smaller, and thus have a more difficult timegetting on and off the trampoline because of its height with respect tothe ground or other support surface.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that roughly80,000-100,000 people are treated each year for injuries sustained whilejumping on a trampoline or otherwise using or attempting to use atrampoline. Accordingly, the CPSC has recognized the need and has calledfor the development of safety advancements to help reduce the number oftrampoline injuries.

A typical trampoline, namely the frame and the jumping mat supported bythe frame, comprises a jumping height between 32 and 34 inches asmeasured from its support surface, such as the ground, depending uponthe particular make of the trampoline. This particular Jumping heighthas been calculated to provide a safe jumping experience, while stillachieving good trampoline performance. This particular jumping heighthas also been determined as the most optimum height for accommodatingthe greatest number of people, including children and adults, based onboth age and weight, as well as the stiffness of the springs couplingthe jumping mat to the frame. Indeed, most people can utilize atrampoline of this height with the jumper and the jumping mat displacinga sufficient distance without contacting the ground.

Despite the seeming advantages of providing a trampoline with a standardheight, there are many instances where such a standard height isexcessive. One particular instance is when the trampoline is purchasedfor use by children. Statistics show that the most common practice forconsumers of trampolines is to purchase a trampoline not for themselves,but for their children. Occasionally adults will utilize the trampoline,but the majority of time it will be used by their children and theirfriends. As such, a trampoline having a standard height between 32 and34 inches, or rather a height to accommodate the majority of thepopulation, including adult jumpers, is unnecessary. More importantly,such an unnecessary height can lead to injuries that may otherwise beprevented or mitigated. As indicated above, among the many accidentsthat occur each year from trampoline use is children attempting to mountor dismount the trampoline. This is an especially daunting task forchildren trying to mount or dismount a trampoline having a standardheight as the frame and jumping mat can be far over their heads orbeyond their stepping or even leaping capabilities. As such, they resortto placing various objects in close proximity to the trampoline, themost common object being a chair, which they scale or otherwise climbonto to assist them in mounting or dismounting of the trampoline. Suchpractices lead to injuries as the child must dismount an object beingused in a way other than as intended. For example, a chair may fall outfrom under the child as the child leans away from the chair to mount thetrampoline. Furthermore, injury may result from children falling off ofthe trampoline, or even from their being catapulted from the trampoline.A trampoline with a standard height can provide an unnecessary andpotentially dangerous fall for a child.

Another disadvantage to prior related trampolines is that they must beplaced on a level surface in order to obtain a level jumping surface, asthere is no mechanism or means available to modify the level of thejumping surface of the trampoline. As such, uneven support surfaces,such as an uneven ground surface, will result in the trampoline being onan undesirable incline, which may make jumping difficult and evendangerous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, thepresent invention seeks to overcome these by providing a heightadjustment device configured to selectively adjust the height of atrampoline. In one embodiment, the height adjustment device may be anintermediate height adjustment device configured to replace a portion ofan existing leg assembly and to interface and join with an existingframe of a trampoline. In another embodiment, the height adjustmentdevice may replace the leg assembly altogether.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly describedherein, and in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention featuresan intermediate height adjustment device configured to adjust the heightof a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, theintermediate height adjustment device comprising: (a) a first supportconfigured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of atrampoline that supports the jumping mat; (b) a second support operablewith the first support and configured to interface and join with aportion of a leg of the trampoline in contact with the support surfaceand that supports the frame; and (c) an adjustment configurationconfigured to facilitate the adjustment of the first support relative tothe second support, and thus the height of at least a portion of thejumping mat of the trampoline.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a heightadjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of atrampoline with respect to a support surface, the height adjustmentdevice comprising: (a) a first support configured to interface and joinwith a portion of a frame of a trampoline that supports the jumping mat;(b) a u-shaped leg operable with the first support to adjustably supportthe frame of the trampoline about the support surface, the u-shaped legcomprising first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal groundsupport portion extending therebetween; and (c) an adjustmentconfiguration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the firstsupport relative to the u-shaped leg, and thus the height of at least aportion of the jumping mat of the trampoline.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features aheight adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumpingmat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, the intermediateheight adjustment device comprising: (a) means for interfacing andjoining with a portion of a frame of a trampoline configured to supportthe jumping mat; (b) means for interfacing and joining with a portion ofa leg of a trampoline configured to support the frame above the supportsurface; and (c) means for adjusting the means for interfacing andjoining with respect to one another to adjust a height of at least aportion of the frame and the jumping mat with respect to the supportsurface.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features asystem for adjusting the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline withrespect to a support surface, the system comprising: (a) at least oneinterchangeable support, wherein each support has a fixed,pre-determined length corresponding to a desired height, and whereineach support is configured to replace a portion of an existing leg ofthe trampoline and to interface and join with at least a portion of aframe and a remaining portion of the existing leg of the trampoline toachieve the desired height. Typically, two or more supports for each legof the trampoline will be provided, which may be selectivelyinterchanged with one another to achieve a variety of heights, and/or avariety of inclines or different heights between leg assemblies, such asfor leveling purposes.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features atrampoline system configured to provide a jumping mat with a pluralityof jumping heights comprising: (a) a trampoline comprising: (i) ajumping mat; (ii) a frame configured to support the jumping mat, theframe comprising a closed loop, horizontal frame assembly and aplurality of sleeves extending downward from the closed loop, horizontalframe assembly; (iii) a plurality of biasing means configured to couplethe jumping mat to the frame in a biased manner; (iv) at least oneu-shaped leg configured to support the frame and the jumping mat aboutthe support surface, the u-shaped leg comprising first and secondvertical supports and a horizontal ground support extendingtherebetween, the first and second vertical supports each beingconfigured to releasably join to one of the plurality of sleeves; and(b) a height adjustment device configured to interface and join with aportion of the frame and a portion of the u-shaped leg to adjust aheight of at least a portion of the jumping mat with respect to thesupport surface.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features amethod for adjusting a height of a jumping mat of a trampoline, themethod comprising: (a) obtaining a trampoline having a frame supportinga jumping mat and a plurality of legs supporting the frame about asupport surface; (b) replacing at least a portion of at least one of thelegs with a height adjustment device configured to interface and joinwith a portion of the frame and a portion of the leg to adjust theheight of at least a portion of the jumping mat and the trampoline withrespect to the support surface; and (c) adjusting the height adjustmentdevice to adjust the height of at least a portion of the jumping mat andthe trampoline to one of a plurality of heights.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention stillfurther features a method for adjusting a height of a jumping mat of atrampoline with respect to a support surface, the method comprising: (a)providing a height adjustment device configured for use with an existingtrampoline; (b) facilitating the replacement of at least a portion of aleg of a trampoline with the height adjustment device; and (c)facilitating the selective adjustment of the height adjustment device toadjust the height of the jumping mat to one of a plurality of heights.

The above height adjustment devices, systems, and methods feature theability to adjust one leg assembly (e.g., an existing leg joined withanother height adjustment device, or the complete replacement of a legwith a height adjustment device) to one height and a different legassembly to another height to achieve different heights for one or morepurposes. For example, providing the ability to adjust different legs orleg assemblies of the trampoline to different heights, a levelingfunction may be introduced to the trampoline in the event of an unevensupport surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depictexemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, notto be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciatedthat the components of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary trampolinecomprising a plurality of height adjustment devices operable therewithto enable selective height adjustment of the frame and the jumping matsupported by the frame, wherein the height adjustment devices areadjusted to provide a relatively low adjustment position and acorresponding jumping height, and wherein the height adjustment devicesare configured according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary trampoline andplurality height adjustment devices of FIG. 1, wherein the heightadjustment devices are adjusted to provide a relatively high adjustmentposition and corresponding jumping height;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a heightadjustment device and adjustment configuration according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the height adjustmentdevice and adjustment configuration of FIG. 3 in an assembled state andpositioned in a lowermost adjustment position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of the height adjustmentdevice and adjustment configuration of FIG. 3 in an assembled state andpositioned in an uppermost adjustment position;

FIG. 6 illustrates partial perspective view of an alternative heightadjustment device and adjustment configuration similar to the oneillustrated in FIG. 3, only the sleeve of the frame and the verticalextension of the leg of the trampoline are caused to be supported onrespective fasteners or stabilizing pins;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a heightadjustment device and adjustment configuration according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the heightadjustment device further comprises an adapter configured to facilitatethe interchangeability of the height adjustment device on a number ofdifferent sized trampolines;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial perspective view of a height adjustmentdevice and adjustment configuration according to still another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, wherein the adjustmentconfiguration comprises thread configurations formed in each of thefirst and second supports of the height adjustment device, wherein thethread configurations are configured to engage and mate with one anotherto provide an infinite number of adjustment positions and correspondingjumping heights;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial perspective view of a height adjustmentdevice and adjustment configuration according to still another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, wherein the height adjustmentdevice comprises a u-shaped leg configured to replace an existingu-shaped leg and to be operable with a first support; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial perspective view of a height adjustmentsystem according to still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the height adjustment system comprises a plurality ofinterchangeable supports, each having a fixed, pre-determined lengthcorresponding to a desired height, and each being configured to replacea portion of an existing leg of said trampoline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplaryembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to theinvention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through10 is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, butis presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation todescribe the features and characteristics of the present invention, toset forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and tosufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solelyby the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of theinvention will be best understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention aredesignated by numerals throughout.

In a general sense, the present invention describes a method and systemfor adjusting the height of a trampoline, and more specifically theheight of a jumping mat and supporting frame of a trampoline using aheight adjustment device or system. The height adjustment device orsystem is preferably configured to selectively adjust to a plurality ofadjustment positions that enable the trampoline, and the jumping mat, tobe adjusted to a plurality of corresponding jumping heights. Moreover,although designed to replace all or a portion of the standard legs ofthe trampoline, the height adjustment device or system is configured toprovide the necessary structural support to the frame and jumping mat ofthe trampoline in a similar manner as the standard leg assembly. A moredetailed description of the height adjustment device and similar systemsis presented below.

The height adjustment feature of the present invention provides manysignificant advantages over prior related trampolines. First, the heightadjustment device may operate to eliminate many of the safety issuesdiscussed above with respect to the height of trampolines. For instance,the trampoline may better accommodate children by providing an easiertime of mounting and dismounting the trampoline. Second, supportsurfaces supporting the trampoline are often uneven or on an incline.Unlike prior related trampolines, one or several portions of thetrampoline utilizing the present invention height adjustment system maybe adjusted to comprise a different height than other portions, whichare particularly useful for leveling purposes in the event thetrampoline is placed an uneven or inclined support surface.

It is noted that the advantages specifically recited herein are notmeant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art willrecognize other advantages upon reading the disclosure as presentedherein, and/or practicing the present invention, each of which arecontemplated herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrated are a perspective views ofan exemplary trampoline 10 comprising a plurality of height adjustmentdevices 70 configured to selectively adjust the jumping height of thetrampoline 10. The trampoline 10 may comprise any type of trampoline,such as those manufactured for residential use, or those used incommercial or competitive settings. As one skilled in the art willrecognize, the trampoline 10 may be various configurations, such assquare, round, or octagonal. The trampoline 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2comprises as an exemplary common backyard or residential trampoline.Although the present invention is intended to be operable with differenttypes and sizes of trampolines, the exemplary trampoline illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 will be used for discussion purposes herein. However, itis specifically noted that the present invention is not limited for usewith this specific type and configuration of trampoline only. Indeed,one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may beused on a variety of different types and sizes of trampolines and thatthose illustrated in the figures and described herein are not intendedto be limiting in any way.

The trampoline 10 comprises a frame 14 consisting of a closed loop,horizontal frame assembly 16 and a plurality of sleeves 30 extendingdownward from said frame assembly 16. Common to most trampolines, thehorizontal frame assembly 16 comprises a plurality of members thatcouple together to form the closed loop configuration. The closed loop,horizontal frame assembly 16, and particularly the, trampoline 10 isshown as comprising a circular configuration.

The trampoline 10 further comprises a jumping mat 18 supported by theframe 14, and particularly the horizontal frame assembly 16, via aplurality of biasing members, shown as springs 22, which are annularlyspaced about the perimeter of the jumping mat 18 and are configured toconnect the jumping mat 18 to the horizontal frame assembly 16 in amanner commonly known in the art. The jumping mat 18 functions toprovide the trampoline 10 with its jumping surface, with the springsenabling a trampoline effect. The trampoline 10 may further comprise aprotective cover 26 configured for placement over the springs 22 and theframe 14 for added protection to jumpers.

The trampoline 10 further comprises a plurality of legs, shown asu-shaped legs 40-a, 40-b, 40-c, and 40-d, or similarly structured legs,not to be limited. Unlike prior related trampolines, the legs 40-a,40-b, 40-c, and 40-d of the trampoline 10 are each configured with oneor more height adjustment devices 70 designed to enable the selectiveadjustment of the jumping height, shown as jumping height h₁, of thetrampoline 10, and more particularly the jumping mat 18 and the frame 14supporting the jumping mat 18. Of course, as one skilled in the art willrecognize, leg configurations other than u-shaped are contemplatedherein, including those making up the height adjustment device 10 asdescribed below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the height adjustment devices 70 are adjusted to arelatively low adjustment position corresponding to a jumping height h₁of the trampoline 10 and the jumping mat 18 with respect to thesupporting surface (not shown) on which the legs 40 rest. At thisheight, the clearance between the jumping mat 18 and the support surfaceis reduced, thus making the trampoline 10 much more accessible tosmaller individuals, such as dwarfs or children. Since the jumping mat18 and the frame 14 are less of a distance from the supporting surfaceor ground than standard height trampolines, smaller individuals desiringto use the trampoline 10 may do so without incurring the risk ofclimbing onto the trampoline by scaling its frame or by placing aforeign object, such as a chair, next to the trampoline to assist inmounting the trampoline, each of which pose significant hazards to thechild. By lowering the height of the trampoline 10, mounting thetrampoline 10 becomes much easier and much safer. Moreover, sincesmaller individuals do not typically weigh as much as adults, theproximity of the jumping mat 18 to the supporting surface (e.g., theground) will not be problematic. Indeed, the trampoline 10 or the heightadjustment device 70 itself may be equipped with specific instructionsor guidelines for adjusting the trampoline to accommodate a specificweight range. For safety purposes, the jumping height of the trampoline10 should always be high enough so that those jumping on the trampolineare never in danger of hitting the ground when jumping in a reasonableand intended or expected manner. Of course, an adult desiring to use thetrampoline 10 will be required to raise the trampoline 10 and each ofthe height adjustment devices 70 from its/their lowered adjustmentposition to a higher adjustment position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the trampoline 10 of FIG. 1 in a raised adjustmentposition, such as a standard height position. More particularly, theheight adjustment devices 70 operable with each of the legs 40-a, 40-b,40-c, and 40-d are shown adjusted to a relatively high adjustmentposition corresponding to a jumping height h₂ of the jumping mat 18 withrespect to the supporting surface. In this position, the trampoline 10functions much the same way as prior related trampolines byaccommodating those that require a greater amount of clearance betweenthe jumping mat 18 and the supporting surface or ground.

In light of the exemplary trampoline illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it isnoted herein that a trampoline comprises a plurality of legs, eachperhaps with two or more vertical support structures. It is also notedthat each vertical support structure operating to support the frame andjumping mat of a trampoline may comprise a height adjustment device orsystem as taught herein, although, for purposes of discussion, only asingle height adjustment device is described below. As such, it is to beunderstood that a trampoline will most likely utilize a plurality ofheight adjustment devices or systems in order to achieve a proper andlevel height adjustment.

With reference to FIG. 3, illustrated is a partial perspective view of aheight adjustment device according to one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. As indicated, the height adjustment device 70 isdesigned to build height adjustability into a trampoline. Specifically,FIG.3 illustrates the height adjustment device 70 as comprising a firstsupport 74 operable with a second support 104 to provide a plurality ofselective adjustment positions corresponding to different jumpingheights. The first support 74 comprises a first end 78, a second end 82,and an elongate portion 84 extending therebetween. In one aspect, thefirst support 74 may comprise a uniform cross-section along its entirelength, including the first and second ends 78 and 82, respectively.This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3 by those lines shown inphantom, with the entire first support 74 comprising a uniform outsidediameter d₀₂. In another aspect, the first end 78 may comprise a reduceddiameter portion, such as the reduced diameter portion 86 about firstend 78, as is also shown in FIG. 3. This will largely depend upon thesize and configuration of the portion of the frame segment with whichthe first support 74 is to interface and join with. In the embodimentshown, the reduced diameter portion 86 comprises a circularcross-section with an outside diameter d_(o1), wherein the elongateportion 84 comprises a circular cross-section having a diameter d_(o2).As such, the exemplary first support 74, as shown, comprises anon-uniform cross-section. As shown, the reduced diameter portion 86comprises a substantially uniform cross-section. In an alternativeembodiment, the reduced diameter portion 86 may comprise a taperedconfiguration that enables the first support 74 to interface and joinwith sleeves of different sizes. The first support 74 further comprisesa plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formed therein through itssidewall.

Likewise, the second support 104 comprises a first end 108, a second end112, and an elongate portion 114 extending therebetween. The first andsecond ends 108 and 112 may or may not further comprise a reduceddiameter portion 116 depending upon the size and configuration of theframe and/or leg to which they are being joined. FIG. 3 illustrates eachof these configurations. In the embodiment shown, the second support 104comprises an outside diameter d_(o1), and a reduced diameter portion 116formed about the second end 112, having an outside diameter d_(o2).Furthermore, the second support 104 comprises an inside diameter di thatis slightly greater than the outside diameter d₀₂ of the first support74, thus allowing the first support 74 to be inserted within andslidably coupled to the second support 104. The second support furthercomprises one or more adjustment apertures 124 formed therein throughits sidewall.

The first support 74 comprises a length x₁ and the second support 104comprises a length x₂, wherein lengths x₁ and x₂ may or may not be thesame. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the length x₁ of the firstsupport 74 is longer than the length x₂ of the second support 104,thereby allowing a portion of the first support 74 to extend from thesecond support 104, even in a lowermost adjustment position, to providestability and support to the height adjustment device 70 and thetrampoline.

The height adjustment device may be designed to function as anintermediate component, wherein the height adjustment device interfacesand joins with a portion of an existing frame of the trampoline as wellas a portion of an existing leg of the trampoline to introduce a heightadjustability feature into the trampoline. In one embodiment, the heightadjustment device replaces only a portion of the existing leg of atrampoline. However, some embodiments of the present inventioncontemplate a height adjustment device that replaces all of the existinglegs of the trampoline. Each of these is discussed in greater detailbelow.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the height adjustmentdevice 70 is configured to interface and join with at least a portion ofthe frame 14 of the trampoline, as well as at least a portion of anexisting leg 40 of the trampoline. More specifically, the first support74 is configured to interface and join with at least a portion of theframe 14 of the trampoline, with the second support 104 being configuredto interface and join with at least a portion of the existing leg of thetrampoline. As shown, the first support 74 is configured to interfaceand join with a sleeve 30 extending down from a portion of the frame 14of an existing trampoline, wherein the sleeve 30 comprises an outsidesurface with an outside diameter d_(o), and an inside surface (notshown) having a diameter d_(i). The sleeve 30 is configured to receivethe reduced diameter portion 86 of the first support 74 as located onits first end 78. As the inside diameter d_(i) of the sleeve 30 isslightly greater than the outside diameter d_(o1) of the reduceddiameter portion 86, the first support 74 is capable of securely fittingwithin the sleeve 30. The first support 74 further comprises a rim 98that engages and rests against a portion of an outside surface of thehorizontal frame assembly 16 contained within the sleeve 30 when thefirst support 74 is fully inserted into the sleeve 30. In anotherarrangement, when fully inserted, a rim 38 of the sleeve 30 may becaused to engage and rest against a lip 90 formed at the intersection ofthe elongate body 84 and the reduced diameter portion 86 of the firstsupport 74, thus securely releasably coupling the first support 74 tothe frame 14. This joining configuration of the first support 74 withthe sleeve 30 is intended to be similar to the joining configuration ofthe sleeve 30 with an existing leg of the trampoline. As such, thesleeve 30 functions to provide support for the first support 74 of theheight adjustment device 70.

The second support 104 is configured to interface and join with at leasta portion of the leg 40 of the trampoline. Most legs of a trampolinecomprise, as part of their structure, a u-shaped portion to providebetter stability and ground support to the trampoline. As shown, thesecond support 104 is configured to interface and join with a verticalextension 48 of a u-shaped leg 40, wherein the u-shaped leg furthercomprises a horizontal ground support 44 extending between first andsecond vertical extensions as commonly known in the art. The verticalextension 48 comprises an outside diameter d_(o2) that merges into areduced diameter portion 52, leaving lip 56, wherein the reduceddiameter portion 52 has an outside diameter d_(o1), which is common tomost trampoline legs. The second end 112 of the second support 104 isconfigured to be inserted over the reduced diameter portion 52 of theleg 40, with a rim 132 of the second support 104 engaging and restingagainst a lip 56 formed within the vertical extension 48 of the leg 40,thus securely releasably coupling the second support 104 to the leg 40.An alternative coupling arrangement may be where the second support 104does not comprise a reduced diameter portion 116. In this case, theinside diameter d_(i) of the second support 104 may be configured to beslightly greater than the outside diameter d_(o2) of the verticalextension 48, thus allowing the second support 104 to slide over thevertical extension 48 with the rim 132 extending beyond the lip 56 andengaging and resting upon at least a portion of the horizontal groundsupport 44, namely the bend in the leg 40 in which the ground support 44transitions into the vertical extension 48.

In still another embodiment, the second support 104 may be eliminatedaltogether and the first end 78 of the first support 74 configured tointerface with the leg 40. In this embodiment, the first end 78 may beconfigured with the same diameter as the elongate portion 114, or it maycomprise a reduced diameter portion 86, each of which are discussedabove. The first end 78 may be configured to rest on the lip 56 of theleg 40 (such as in the embodiment having a reduced diameter), or firstend 78 may be configured to fully receive the vertical extension 48,with the first end 78 extending over the lip 56 and coming to rest atthe bend in the let 40.

The height adjustment device 70 further comprises an adjustmentconfiguration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the firstsupport 74 relative to the second support 104, and thus the height ofthe jumping mat of the trampoline. In one exemplary embodiment, as shownin FIG. 1, the adjustment configuration comprises a at least one andpreferably a plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formed in the firstsupport 74, at least one and preferably a plurality of adjustmentapertures 124 formed in the second support 104, and a slidablerelationship between the first and second supports 74 and 104 toeffectuate a plurality of selectable adjustment positions correspondingto a plurality of desired jumping heights of the jumping mat of thetrampoline.

As indicated, the first support 74 is slidably related to the secondsupport 104, wherein the first support 74 slides within the secondsupport 104 to provide a plurality of adjustment positions. To adjustthe height of the trampoline, one or more adjustment apertures 94 formedin the first support 74 are selected and aligned with one or moreadjustment apertures 124 formed in the second support 104. Once aligned,a fastener 140 is inserted through the aligned and selected adjustmentapertures 124 and 94 and secured in place, thus preventing either of thefirst or second supports 74 and 104 from sliding with respect to theother. The fastener 140 may comprise any fastener known in the artsuited for the purpose intended herein. For example, the fastener 140may comprise a bolt and nut assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, a pin, aquick-release assembly, or any others commonly known. This procedure maybe repeated as often as necessary on each of the height adjustmentdevices supporting the trampoline to adjust the height of the jumpingmat of the trampoline.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the height adjustment device 70 isshown in a lowermost adjustment position with the first and secondsupports 74 and 104 collapsed upon each other. In this position, the rim38 of the sleeve 30 is caused to engage and rest upon the rim 128 of thesecond support 104. The first support (shown in phantom) is completelycontained within the sleeve 30, the second support 104, and the leg 40.However, as can be seen, the first support extends upward from thesecond support 104 into the sleeve 30 even in this lowermost position toprovide stability and lateral support to the trampoline. The height ofthe jumping mat with the height adjustment device in this particularadjustment position is relatively low as compared to a standard heighttrampoline, thus facilitating much safer mounting and dismounting of thetrampoline by a jumper of smaller size and weight. In this position, therisk of children and other small individuals falling off of thetrampoline are significantly reduced, thus making the jumpingenvironment much safer and relaxing. In this position, children nolonger need to be creative in attempting to mount or dismount thetrampoline. In addition, the distance from the jumping mat to thesupporting surface or ground is much less, thus reducing the likelihoodof injury in the event of a fall. An exemplary jumping height with theheight adjustment device in this adjustment position may be 19 inches asmeasured from the supporting surface or ground.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the height adjustment device 70 isshown in an extended adjustment position to provide a relatively highjumping height as compared to the jumping height provided by theadjustment position illustrated in FIG. 4. In this adjustment position,the first support 74 is slid to extend a distance above the rim 128 ofthe second support 104, thereby exposing the plurality of adjustmentapertures 94 formed in the first support 74. As shown in FIG. 4, thefirst support 74 is extended to a maximum height, with its adjustmentaperture most proximate to the second end 82 aligned with the adjustmentaperture 124 formed in the second support 104. As so aligned, thefastener 140 is inserted therethrough to secure the selected adjustmentposition. In this extended position, a significant portion of the firstsupport 74 is still contained and supported within the second support104 in order to maintain the structural integrity of the heightadjustment device 70 in its capacity as a support leg for thetrampoline. An exemplary jumping height with the height adjustmentdevice in this adjustment position may be 25 inches as measured from thesupporting surface or ground. As can be seen, the jumping height of thejumping mat with the height adjustment device 70 in its uppermost andextended adjustment position may be less than the jumping heightachieved by a standard leg assembly. However, if such a standard jumpingheight is desirable, the height adjustment device 70 may be removed andreplaced once again with the standard leg assembly.

FIG. 5 further illustrates a plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formedin the first support 74 that allow the first support 74 to be adjustedrelative to the second support 104 to achieve a plurality of adjustmentpositions. These different adjustment positions correspond to differentjumping heights and may be selected as needed or desired.

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an alternative couplingarrangement between the first support 74 and the sleeve 30 of the frame14, and the second support 104 and the vertical extension 48 of the leg40. The function of the height adjustment device 70 is similar to theembodiment discussed above. However, in this embodiment the sleeve 30 iscaused to engage and rest upon a fastener 140-a as inserted through theuppermost adjustment aperture 94 formed in the first support 74. In thisconfiguration, the rim of the first support is disengaged and offset adistance from a portion of the frame 14. However, much of the first end78 of the first support 74 is still inside the sleeve 30 for support andstability purposes. Likewise, the rim 60 of the reduced diameter portion116 of the leg 40 is caused to engage a fastener 140-c inserted throughthe adjustment aperture formed in the second support 104. In thisconfiguration, the second support 104 is supported about the leg 40 viathe fastener 140-c. As such, the rim 132 of the second support 104 isoffset a distance and disengaged from the lip 56 of the verticalextension 48. A third fastener 140-c is used to secure the heightadjustment device 70 in one or more selected adjustment positions astaught herein.

The height adjustment device may further comprise one or more adaptersconfigured to facilitate the interchangeability of the height adjustmentdevice and its use on different sized and configured trampolines. Withreference to FIG. 8, illustrated is another exemplary embodiment of anadjustment configuration of a height adjustment device 70 utilizing anadapter 150. As shown, the adapter 150 comprises a two-stage cylindricalconfiguration having a first end 154 as a first stage, a second end 158,and a reduced diameter portion 162 as a second stage. The first end 154comprises a rim 156 defining an inside diameter d_(i1) that is largerthan the outside diameter d_(o) of the sleeve 30 of the frame 14. Withthis configuration, the adapter 150 is designed to interface and joinwith, and particularly to fit over the outer surface 34 of, the sleeve30 with the rim 156 either caused to rest against the horizontal frameassembly 16 or caused to be offset a distance from the frame assembly16. The adapter 150 further comprises a plurality of, and preferablythree, apertures 166 formed in its first end 154 that are spaced anequidistance around the perimeter and that are configured to receivecorresponding securing fasteners, shown as securing pins 168,therethrough to secure the adapter to the sleeve 30. The securing pins168 may be selectively adjusted as needed depending upon the respectivesizes of the sleeve 30 and the adapter 150. The adapter 150 ispreferably sized and configured to accommodate sleeves of differentsizes existing on different types or sizes of trampolines. The securingpins 168 function similar to set screws, wherein they adjust to engagethe sleeve 30 no matter its diameter, thereby securing the adapter 150to the sleeve 30.

The second end 158 of the adapter 150 comprises a rim 160 defining aninside diameter d_(i2) that is slightly larger than the outside diameterd_(o1) of the reduced diameter portion 86 of the first support 74, thusenabling the adapter to interface and join with the first support 74.The second end 158 of the adapter 150 further comprises an aperture 170formed therein. A fastener 174 is used to securely and releasably couplethe adapter 150 to the first support 74. The first support 74 functionsto slidably operate with a second support (not shown) in a similarmanner as discussed above.

With use of the adapter, not only can the height adjustment device 70 beutilized on a number of different types and sizes of trampolines, butadditional adjustment positions and corresponding jumping heights aremade available over the use of just the first and second supports alone.Indeed, the adapter comprises a function very similar to a spacer inwhich the adapter increases the available adjustment positions of theheight adjustment device 70 due to its added length and presence of oneor more adjustment apertures. Other configurations of the adapter 150are contemplated herein, and thus the one specifically presented hereinis not meant to be limiting in any way.

Although not shown, the height adjustment device may further comprise anadapter configured for use with the second support, wherein the adapterinterfaces and joins with a portion of the leg of a trampoline. Thisadapter may be similar in form and function to the one just discussed,or may comprise another configuration.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adjustmentconfiguration comprises a rotational adjustment configuration. Withreference to FIG. 8, the first support 74 of the height adjustmentdevice 70 comprises a thread configuration 182 formed on at least aportion of its outer surface. The first support 74 interfaces and joinswith the sleeve 30 of the frame 14 in a similar manner as discussedabove, which description is incorporated herein.

Likewise, the second support 104 comprises a thread configuration 186formed on at least a portion of an inner surface (not shown). The secondsupport 104 interfaces and joins with the vertical extension 48 of theleg 40 in a similar manner as discussed above, which description isincorporated herein. The thread configuration 182 on the first support74 corresponds with and matches the thread configuration 186 on thesecond support 104, thereby rotatably relating the first support 74 withthe second support 104. The thread configurations 182 and 186, and theoperable rotational relationship between the first and second supports74 and 104 function to provide an infinite number of adjustmentpositions and jumping heights based on the relative rotation of thefirst support 74 with respect to the second support 104. By rotating thefirst support 74 in one direction with respect to the second support104, the frame and jumping mat of the trampoline may be lowered.Conversely, by rotating the first support 74 in the opposite directionwith respect to the second support 104, the frame and jumping mat may beraised. All other aspects of the first and second supports, as theyrelate to the frame and leg of the trampoline, respectively, are similarto those discussed above, where applicable.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theadjustment configuration comprises a compression member supported aboutthe second support and configured to compress against the first supportto secure it in one a plurality of adjustment positions. A quick releasedevice may be incorporated into the compression member for quick andefficient adjustment. The type of compression member contemplated foruse herein is commonly known in the art.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the adjustment configuration maycomprise a telescoping configuration in which, in one aspect, the firstand second supports are formed from a series of coupled components orelements that may collapse and expand upon one another as commonly knownin the art. In another aspect, a single telescoping support may be usedrather than fist and second supports. In either embodiment, thetelescoping configuration may further comprise a locking system forlocking the various telescoping supports in a fixed position, andrelative to one another, so as to provide a desired trampoline height.

Essentially, the present invention contemplates any system, mechanism,configuration, etc. capable of providing adjustable height to atrampoline. As such, the specific embodiments discussed herein are notmeant to be limiting in any way.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, the first and secondsupports 74 and 104 are designed to be releasably coupled to theirrespective frame and leg counterparts thus allowing the heightadjustment device 70 to be removed for one or more purposes as desired.More particularly, the first and second supports 74 and 104 are designedto be universal, meaning the height adjustment device 70 may be removedfrom one trampoline and incorporated into another trampoline, even ifthe other trampoline is of a different size or make or configuration.Stated another way, the height adjustment device of the presentinvention is interchangeable and configured for use on a variety ofdifferent sized and configured trampolines.

The preset invention further features a height adjustment deviceaccording to another exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, theheight adjustment device 70-a comprises a first support 74-a that isconfigured and that functions similar to the first support discussedabove, which description is incorporated herein, where applicable.However, unlike the height adjustment device discussed above and shownin FIGS. 3-8 in which a second support is operable with the firstsupport, the height adjustment device 70-a of FIG. 9 comprises au-shaped leg 196 operable with the first support to adjustably supportthe frame 14 and jumping mat (not shown) of the trampoline about thesupport surface or ground. As shown, the u-shaped leg 196 comprises avertical extension 204-a and a horizontal ground support 200 extendingbetween the vertical extension 204-a and a second vertical extension204-b. The vertical extension 204-a comprises a cylindricalconfiguration with an outside diameter do and an inside diameter d_(i).The inside diameter d_(i) is slightly larger than the outside diameterd_(o2) of the first support 74-a, thereby allowing the first support74-a to be inserted into and slidably engage the vertical extension204-a of the u-shaped leg 196. The vertical extension 204-a furthercomprises an adjustment aperture 212-a formed therein configured toalign with one of a plurality of adjustment apertures 94-a formed in thefirst support 74-a to effectuate the adjustment of the first support74-a with respect to the vertical extension 204-a and the adjustment ofthe jumping mat and corresponding jumping height of the trampoline. Ascan be seen, the vertical extension 204-a and the first support 74-a areoperably related and function much like the second support discussedabove and depicted in FIGS. 3-6.

The height adjustment device 70-a may be adjusted to a lowermostadjustment position by collapsing the first support 74-a with respect tothe vertical extension 204-a and causing the rim 38-a of the sleeve 30-ato engage and rest upon the rim 208-a of the vertical extension 204-a.The height adjustment device 70-a may be adjusted to any one of aplurality of interim adjustment positions or an uppermost adjustmentposition by selectively aligning a different adjustment aperture 94-awith the adjustment aperture 212-a and inserting a suitable fastener(not shown) to secure the adjustment position. Furthermore, one or moreadapters may be used with the height adjustment device 70-a, whichadapters may be configured in a similar manner as discussed above.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the illustratedheight adjustment device 70-b is configured and operates in a similarmanner as the height adjustment device 70-a, and is therefore notdiscussed in detail herein. The height adjustment device 70-b isconfigured about and comprises as one of its component parts thevertical extension 204-b, which is opposite the vertical extension 204-aand joined by the common horizontal ground support 200.

FIG. 9 further illustrates the present invention as comprising a lengthadjustment 220 configured to facilitate the adjustability of a length ofthe horizontal ground support 200 and to interconnect the two heightadjustment devices 70-a and 70-a as separated by a joint or break formedin the horizontal ground support. The length adjustment 220 operates tofacilitate the relative distance between the height adjustment devices70-a and 70-b by slidably relating the separated ends of the horizontalground support 200. As shown, the length adjustment 220 comprises acylindrical collar configuration having a length L and an insidediameter d_(i) that is slightly greater than an outside diameter d_(o)of the horizontal ground support 200, thereby allowing the lengthadjustment 220 to slidably couple to and contain the exposed ends of thehorizontal ground support 200. The length adjustment 220 furthercomprises a plurality of adjustment apertures, shown as adjustmentapertures 224-a and 224-b formed within and located about respectiveends of the length adjustment 220. The length adjustment 220 isconfigured to slide about the horizontal ground support 200, and theadjustment apertures 224-a and 224-b are configured to align withapertures 216-a and 216-b, respectively, formed in the horizontal groundsupport 200 to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions.As such, the horizontal ground support 200 may be selectively lengthenedor shortened, which functions to adjust the relative distance betweenthe height adjustment devices 70-a and 70-b. By configuring the u-shapedleg 196 with one or more length adjustments 220, the u-shaped leg 196,and the corresponding height adjustment devices 70-a and 70-b, may beincorporated into trampolines in which the sleeve portions of the frameare spaced apart at different distances. As the length adjustment is notrequired to bear large loads, various types of adjustment configurationsmay be incorporated other than the one specifically described herein andillustrated in FIG. 9. For example, the adjustment configuration maycomprise a pin and slot assembly, or any others commonly known in theart for slidably relating two components.

The present invention further features a system for adjusting the heightof a trampoline with respect to a support or ground surface. The systemcomprises at least one and preferably a plurality of interchangeablesupports, each having a fixed pre-determined length corresponding to adesired jumping height. The interchangeable supports are designed toreplace a vertical portion of an existing leg of a trampoline and tointerface and join with at least a portion of a frame and a remainingportion of the existing leg to achieve the desired jumping height. Withreference to FIG. 10, illustrated are four separate and individualinterchangeable supports, shown as supports 230-a, 230-b, 230-c, and230-d, each having a pre-determined, fixed length, shown as lengths x₁,x₂, x₃, and x₄, respectively. Specifically, with reference tointerchangeable support 230-a, a reduced diameter portion 234-a isconfigured for insertion into sleeve 30, wherein rim 38 rests upon thelip 238-a of the interchangeable support 230-a, or alternatively whereina rim of the interchangeable support 230-a, 230-b, 230-c, and 230-dengages and rests against a portion of an outside surface of thehorizontal frame assembly 16 contained within the sleeve 30 when thefirst support 74 is fully inserted into the sleeve 30, as is similar tofirst support 74 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the interchangeable support 230-ais configured to interface and join with the vertical extension 48 ofthe leg 40 in a similar manner as a standard vertical extension. Toadjust the height of the trampoline, one simply interchanges a supportof one length with a support of a different length. This is repeated foreach leg of the trampoline. The specific pre-determined lengths of theinterchangeable supports are not limited in to any length, but may beany as desired.

As mentioned above, the above height adjustment devices, systems, andmethods feature the ability to adjust one leg assembly (e.g., anexisting leg joined with another height adjustment device, or thecomplete replacement of a leg with a height adjustment device) to oneheight and a different leg assembly to another height to achievedifferent heights for one or more purposes. For example, providing theability to adjust different legs or leg assemblies of the trampoline todifferent heights, a leveling function may be introduced to thetrampoline in the event of an uneven support surface. Although thisconcept is not shown in the drawings, it will be apparent to one skilledin the art.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of theinvention have been described herein, the present invention is notlimited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodimentshaving modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects acrossvarious embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would beappreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detaileddescription. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the foregoing detailed description or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term“preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably,but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claimsmay be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presentedin the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitationswill only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of thefollowing conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or“step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function isexpressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support thatstructure are expressly recited. Accordingly, the scope of the inventionshould be determined solely by the appended claims and their legalequivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.

1. An intermediate height adjustment device configured to adjust aheight of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a supportsurface, said intermediate height adjustment device comprising: a firstsupport configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of atrampoline that supports said jumping mat; a second support operablewith said first support and configured to interface and join with aportion of a leg of said trampoline in contact with said support surfaceand that supports said frame; and an adjustment configuration configuredto facilitate the adjustment of said first support relative to saidsecond support, and thus at least a portion of said height of saidjumping mat of said trampoline.
 2. The intermediate height adjustmentdevice of claim 1, wherein said first and second supports are configuredto releasably couple to said frame and said leg of said trampoline,respectively.
 3. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1,wherein said first and second supports are universal and configured tobe interchangeable and used on different types of trampolines, thusmaking said intermediate height adjustment device universal andinterchangeable with said different types of trampolines.
 4. Theintermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, further comprising anadapter having a first end configured to interface and join with aportion of a frame of a second trampoline, and a second end configuredto interface and join with said first support, said adapter beingconfigured for use with said first support to enable said first supportto be operable with said second trampoline.
 5. The intermediate heightadjustment device of claim 1, further comprising an adapter having afirst end configured to interface and join with said second support, anda second end configured to interface and join with a portion of a leg ofa second trampoline, said adapter being configured for use with saidsecond support to enable said second support to be operable with saidsecond trampoline.
 6. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim1, wherein said portion of said frame comprises a sleeve having acylindrical configuration and extending in a downward direction fromsaid frame.
 7. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 6,wherein said first support comprises a cylindrical configuration, andwherein at least a portion of said first support comprises a diameterless than a diameter of said sleeve, thus enabling said portion of saidfirst support to fit within said sleeve for support.
 8. The intermediateheight adjustment device of claim 7, wherein said portion of said firstsupport, having said diameter less than said diameter of said sleeve,comprises a tapered configuration configured to enable said firstsupport to interface and join with sleeves of different sizes.
 9. Theintermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said legcomprises a unshaped leg having first and second vertical extensions anda horizontal ground support portion extending therebetween, wherein saidsecond support interfaces and joins with one of said first and secondvertical extensions.
 10. The intermediate height adjustment device ofclaim 9, wherein said portion of said leg comprises one of said verticalextensions, and wherein said vertical extensions comprise a cylindricalconfiguration.
 11. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim10, wherein said second support comprises a cylindrical configuration,and wherein at least a portion of said second support comprises adiameter greater than a diameter of said vertical extension, thusenabling said vertical extension to fit within and support said secondsupport.
 12. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1,wherein said first support is slidably related with said second support.13. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 12, wherein saidadjustment configuration comprises: at least one adjustment apertureformed in said first support; at least one adjustment aperture formed insaid second support and configured to correspond to and align with saidadjustment apertures formed in said first support, upon sliding saidsecond support with respect with said first support, to provide aplurality of selectable adjustment positions; and a fastener configuredto be inserted through said adjustment apertures of said first andsecond supports when aligned to secure said first and second supports inone of said plurality of adjustment positions.
 14. The intermediateheight adjustment device of claim 13, wherein said first and secondsupports collapse about one another to provide a lowermost adjustmentposition.
 15. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 14,wherein a portion of said frame is caused to rest upon a rim of saidsecond support when said first and second supports are collapsed aboutone another in said lowermost adjustment position.
 16. The intermediateheight adjustment device of claim 14, wherein said first and secondsupports comprise different lengths to increase the stability of saidintermediate height adjustment device in said adjustment positions. 17.The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said firstsupport comprises a lip, and wherein said portion of said frame isconfigured to rest upon said lip when said first support is joined withsaid portion of said frame.
 18. The intermediate height adjustmentdevice of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said second supportcomprises a tapered segment configured to increase the stability andsupport of said second support as interfaced and joined with saidportion of said leg, said tapered segment terminating in a rimconfigured to engage and rest upon a lip of said portion of said leg.19. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 4, wherein saidadjustment configuration comprises: at least one adjustment apertureformed in said adapter; at least one adjustment aperture formed in saidfirst support and configured to correspond to and align with at leastone of said adjustment apertures formed in said adapter to provide aplurality of selectable adjustment positions; at least one apertureformed in said second support and configured to correspond to and alignwith at least one of said adjustment apertures formed in said firstsupport to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions; and aplurality of fasteners configured to be inserted through said adjustmentapertures of said adapter and said first and second supports whenaligned to secure said adapter and said first and second supports in oneof said plurality of adjustment positions.
 20. The intermediate heightadjustment device of claim 19, wherein said adapter comprises a twostage cylindrical configuration, with a first stage comprising adiameter to allow said first stage to fit over a downward extendingsleeve of a frame of a trampoline and a second stage comprising adiameter to receive a portion of said first support.
 21. Theintermediate height adjustment device of claim 20, wherein said adapterfurther comprises at least three apertures formed within said firststage at an equidistance around said first stage, said apertures beingconfigured to receive securing fasteners therein, wherein each of saidsecuring fasteners are caused to adjustably engage said vertical sleeveto secure said adapter to said vertical sleeve.
 22. The intermediateheight adjustment device of claim 9, wherein said horizontal groundsupport further comprises a length adjustment configuration operabletherewith and configured to facilitate the adjustability of a length ofsaid horizontal ground support, thereby enabling said u-shaped leg andsaid first support to be operable with different trampolines havingcorresponding sleeve components of different distances from one another.23. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein saidadjustment configuration comprises: a thread configuration formed on atleast a portion of an outer surface of said first support; and a threadconfiguration formed on at least a portion of an inner surface of saidsecond support operable with said thread configuration on said firstsupport to facilitate the rotatable adjustment of said first supportwith respect to said second support into one of a plurality ofadjustment positions.
 24. The intermediate height adjustment device ofclaim 1, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises: a compressionmember operable with said second support to apply a compression force tosaid first support, thereby securing said first and second supports inone of a plurality of adjustment positions.
 25. The intermediate heightadjustment device of claim 24, wherein said compression member comprisesa quick-release system.
 26. A height adjustment device configured toadjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to asupport surface, said height adjustment device comprising: a firstsupport configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of atrampoline, said frame configured to support said jumping mat; au-shaped leg operable with said first support to adjustably support saidframe of said trampoline about said support surface, said u-shaped legcomprising first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal groundsupport portion extending therebetween; and an adjustment configurationconfigured to facilitate the adjustment of said first support relativeto said u-shaped leg, and thus at least a portion of said height of saidjumping mat of said trampoline.
 27. The height adjustment device of clam26, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises: at least oneadjustment apertures formed in said first support; at least oneadjustment aperture formed in said u-shaped leg and configured tocorrespond to and align with said adjustment apertures formed in saidfirst support, upon sliding said u-shaped leg with respect with saidfirst support, to provide a plurality of selectable adjustmentpositions; and a fastener configured to be inserted through saidadjustment apertures of said first support and said u-shaped leg whenaligned to secure said first support and said u-shaped leg in one ofsaid plurality of adjustment positions.
 28. The height adjustment deviceof claim 26, further comprising an adapter configure to facilitate thecoupling of said first support and said u-shaped leg to a secondtrampoline.
 29. The height adjustment device of claim 26, wherein saidhorizontal ground support further comprises a length adjustmentconfiguration operable therewith and configured to facilitate theadjustability of a length of said horizontal ground support, therebyenabling said u-shaped leg and said first support to be operable withdifferent trampolines having corresponding sleeve components ofdifferent distances from one another.
 30. The height adjustment deviceof claim 29, wherein said length adjustment configuration comprises: acollar slidably disposed about and supporting first and secondhorizontal components of said horizontal ground support; and a pluralityof selectable adjustment positions between said collar and said firstand second horizontal components.
 31. A height adjustment deviceconfigured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline withrespect to a support surface, said intermediate height adjustment devicecomprising: means for interfacing and joining with a portion of a frameof a trampoline, said frame configured to support said jumping mat;means for interfacing and joining with a portion of a leg of atrampoline configured to support said frame above said support surface;and means for adjusting said means for interfacing and joining withrespect to one another to adjust a height of at least a portion of saidframe and said jumping mat with respect to said support surface.
 32. Theheight adjustment device of claim 31, further comprising means forinterchanging said means for interfacing and joining with said portionof said frame and said portion of said leg, respectively, for use on oneof a second trampoline.
 33. The height adjustment device of claim 32,wherein said second trampoline is of a different type.
 34. The heightadjustment device of claim 31, wherein said means for adjustingcomprises a series of lockable telescoping elements operably supportedtogether, and configured to collapse on one another to achieve a desiredheight of said jumping mat.
 35. A trampoline system configured toprovide a jumping mat of a trampoline with a plurality of differentjumping heights, said trampoline system comprising: a trampolinecomprising: a jumping mat; a frame configured to support said jumpingmat, said frame comprising a closed loop horizontal frame assembly and aplurality of sleeves extending downward from said closed loop horizontalframe assembly; a plurality of biasing means configured to couple saidjumping mat to said frame in a biased manner; at least one u-shaped legconfigured to support said frame and said jumping mat about said supportsurface, said u-shaped leg comprising first and second vertical supportsand a horizontal ground support extending therebetween, said first andsecond vertical supports each being configured to releasably join to oneof said plurality of sleeves; and a height adjustment device configuredto interface and join with a portion of said frame and a portion of saidu-shaped leg to adjust a height of at least a portion of said jumpingmat with respect to said support surface.
 36. The trampoline system ofclaim 35, wherein said height adjustment device comprises: a firstsupport configured to interface and join with one of said sleeves ofsaid frame; a second support operable with said first support andconfigured to interface and join with a portion of said u-shaped leg;and an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustmentof said first support relative to said second support, and thus theheight of said jumping mat of said trampoline.
 37. The trampoline systemof claim 35, wherein said height adjustment device comprises: a firstsupport operable with said u-shaped leg and configured to interface andjoin with one of said sleeves of said frame; and an adjustmentconfiguration configured to facilitate the adjustment of said firstsupport relative to said u-shaped leg, and thus the height of saidjumping mat of said trampoline.
 38. A method for adjusting at least aportion of a height of a jumping mat of a trampoline, said methodcomprising: obtaining a trampoline having a frame supporting a jumpingmat and a plurality of legs supporting said frame about a supportsurface; replacing at least a portion of at least one of said legs witha height adjustment device configured to interface and join with aportion of said frame and a portion of said leg to adjust said height ofat least a portion of said jumping mat and said trampoline with respectto said support surface; and adjusting said height adjustment device toadjust said height of at least a portion of said jumping mat and saidtrampoline to one of a plurality of heights.
 39. The method of claim 38,wherein said replacing comprises: joining a first support to a portionof said frame; and joining a second support to a portion of one of saidplurality of legs, said second support being adjustable with respect tosaid first support.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein said adjustingcomprises adjusting said first support with respect to said secondsupport via an adjustment configuration.
 41. The method of claim 38,wherein said replacing comprises: joining a first support to a portionof said frame; and joining a u-shaped leg with said first support toreplace all of one of said plurality of legs, said u-shaped legcomprising first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal groundsupport portion extending therebetween, said u-shaped leg beingconfigured to adjustably support said frame of said trampoline aboutsaid support surface;
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein said adjustingcomprises adjusting said first support with respect to said u-shaped legvia and adjustment configuration.
 43. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising interchanging at least a portion of a leg of anothertrampoline with said height adjustment device.
 44. The method of claim38, further comprising adjusting said height adjustment device to enablea leg to which said height adjustment device is attached to to comprisea different height than at least one other leg assembly of saidtrampoline, thereby introducing a leveling function to said trampolinein the event of an uneven support surface.
 45. A method for adjusting aheight of at least a portion of a jumping mat of a trampoline withrespect to a support surface, said method comprising: providing a heightadjustment device configured for use with an existing trampoline;facilitating the replacement of at least a portion of a leg of atrampoline with said height adjustment device; and facilitating theselective adjustment of said height adjustment device to adjust saidheight of at least a portion of said jumping mat to one of a pluralityof heights.
 46. The method of claim 45, further comprising facilitatingthe interchangeability of said height adjustment device with anothertrampoline.
 47. A system for adjusting the height of a jumping mat of atrampoline with respect to a support surface, said system comprising: atleast one interchangeable support, each having a fixed, pre-determinedlength corresponding to a desired height, and each being configured toreplace a portion of an existing leg of said trampoline and to interfaceand join with at least a portion of a frame and a remaining portion ofsaid existing leg of said trampoline to achieve said desired height.